Santa Paula High School scored when Limoneira Co. donated $10,000 to the school's athletics department at a ceremony on the football field earlier this month. Limoneira Co., city of Santa Paula, high school and local Chamber of Commerce representatives celebrated the donation with a poster-size check and cheering by student-athletes dressed in Cardinal colors, red and white.

"Teamwork is vitally important," key to a well-rounded education and success in life, said Alan Teague of Santa Paula, chairman of Limoneira's board of directors, explaining the company's support for high school athletics. When the former Santa Paula mayor heard a presentation from Athletics Department Director Danny Guzman about all the department's accomplishments, with limited funding from the school district, he didn't hesitate to recommend the donation.

Santa Paula High has 14 teams in nine different sports, which operate on a $60,000 annual budget, only about $8,000 of which is funded by the school district. The rest of the budget is generated through gate proceeds at school sporting events, a $50 athletic fee for student-athletes, donations and fundraisers, Guzman said. Some 450 to 600 students each year participate in Santa Paula High sports, which range from football to swimming.

"We are absolutely delighted to receive this donation, especially in light of the budget challenges," said Christina "Tina" Urias, president of the Santa Paula Union High School District Board of Trustees. The school board publicly thanked Limoneira Co. for the donation at its Sept. 16 meeting.

"Limoneira is always a community leader in support of projects," Connie Tushla of Santa Paula, chairwoman of the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, said of the 117-year-old agribusiness and real-estate development company, based in Santa Paula. "It is a terrific community player."

"That's huge," Guzman said of Limoneira's $10,000 donation. "Limoneira has always contributed to athletics at the high school. It is a great part of this town. We really appreciate everything they do. We rely on the community 200 percent. We couldn't do it without them."

Guzman, a 1999 Santa Paula Union High School graduate who was on the school's track, football and basketball teams, went on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees. He is an example of the value of the Santa Paula High School sports program. "I think that athletics got me where I am today," the Santa Paula resident said, noting the mental strength and coaches' lessons he will never forget. In addition to serving as the athletics department director, Guzman teaches physical education at the high school.

"Athletics teaches life skills, such as hard work, commitment, dedication and overcoming challenges," Guzman said. "Sports also keep kids active and involved, under the supervision of coaches." Just how active is demonstrated by the student-athletes' schedule that includes working out in the weight room from 2:06 to 3:12 p.m.; tutoring after school, from 3:12 to 4:30 p.m.; and then practicing their sport from 4:30 to 6:30 or 7 p.m., five days a week.

In addition, the athletics department is a "reflection of our community," a matter of pride, Guzman said. "The talent is here, and the talent has always been here," he said.

Teague said he hopes Limoneira Co.'s donation to the high school Athletics Department will encourage others to give. Guzman said sponsors are advertised at sporting events and that they are very much appreciated. To find out more about the SPUHS Athletics Department, contact Guzman at 525-4406, ext. 2702.